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In fast food war, burgers and subs sink wings and pizza

How much do Americans love their fast food? This much: $254,541,589,000.

That's the amount the NPD Group says we spend to buy food that’s quickly thrown together and put in a wrapper, then held in one hand and downed in record time with a soda chaser while driving our cars.

McDonald's is by far the most successful fast food chain in the known universe. QSR magazine said Americans bought more than $35 billion worth of Mickey D's in 2012, nearly three times more than second place finisher Subway, at $12 billion.

What other fast food joints are succeeding, and which ones still have too much bun and not enough burger, financially speaking? Where does pizza fit in, and when will chicken wings finally get some respect?